Level quick RS is a popular self-leveling underlayment used to smooth and level concrete and wooden subfloors prior to installing floor coverings like tile, vinyl, and carpeting. When working with level quick RS, an important consideration is the dry time. Knowing how long level quick RS takes to dry allows installers to properly schedule subsequent steps in the flooring installation process.
The actual dry time for level quick RS can vary based on several factors, including the thickness of the application, temperature and humidity in the installation environment, and preparation of the subfloor. Typically, level quick RS dries relatively quickly, often within just a few hours. However, thicker pours or non-ideal installation conditions can extend the dry time.
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Standard Dry Times for Level Quick RS
Level quick RS is formulated to dry quickly under normal conditions. Here are some general guidelines for how long the product takes to dry after application:
– At 1/8 inch thickness: 2-3 hours
– At 1/4 inch thickness: 3-5 hours
– At 1/2 inch thickness: 5-8 hours
These dry times assume an application at room temperature between 65-85°F with ambient humidity less than 65%. Cooler temperatures, higher humidity, and thicker application depths can all increase the drying time.
Factors Affecting Dry Time
There are several key factors that affect how quickly level quick RS will dry after pouring:
Application Thickness
– Thinner pours of 1/8 inch dry fastest, while thicker pours can take double the time or more. Level quick RS can be applied from feather edge up to 1.5 inches thick in a single pour.
Temperature
– Warmer temperatures accelerate drying, while cooler temps slow drying. Ideal installation temperature is between 65-85°F.
Humidity
– High humidity lengthens drying time. Ideal conditions are below 65% ambient relative humidity.
Ventilation
– Air circulation with fans speeds drying. Stagnant air increases drying time.
Subfloor Porosity
– Porous substrates like concrete absorb moisture and lengthen drying. Non-porous substrates like vinyl or metal dry faster.
Subfloor Preparation
– Properly prepared subfloors dry faster. Unprimed concrete can extend drying substantially.
| Thickness | 1/8 inch | 1/4 inch | 1/2 inch |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ideal Conditions Drying Time | 2-3 hours | 3-5 hours | 5-8 hours |
| Prolonged Drying Conditions | 8-12 hours | 12-24 hours | 24+ hours |
This table summarizes how the thickness of the application impacts drying times under both ideal installation conditions and conditions that may prolong drying.
Dry Time by Subfloor Type
Level quick RS can be applied over concrete, plywood, OSB, and many other subfloor types. The porosity and moisture absorption characteristics of the specific subfloor will also influence the dry time:
Concrete:
– Unprimed concrete can absorb moisture from level quick RS, extending dry times.
– A primer coat seals concrete and speeds drying.
– Dry, porous concrete may take longer than denser concrete.
– Drying time on concrete subfloors is typically longer than wood.
Plywood/OSB:
– Wood subfloors are non-porous and dry quickly.
– An isolation barrier may still be recommended to prevent moisture migration.
– Wood subfloors often dry level quick RS in 2-3 hours.
Vinyl & Metal:
– Non-porous vinyl and metal subfloors allow very rapid drying.
– Level quick RS may dry in 1-3 hours over vinyl/metal.
In general, more porous substrates that absorb moisture like concrete will extend the drying time compared to non-porous surfaces. Make sure to properly prepare and prime subfloors accordingly.
Installation Conditions That Prolong Drying
While level quick RS dries rapidly under ideal conditions, certain installation factors can slow the drying process and extend dry times significantly. These include:
Low Temperatures
– Temperatures below 65°F will substantially extend drying time.
– Heating the installation area can help if temperatures are too low.
High Humidity
– Humidity levels over 65% will prolong drying.
– Using dehumidifiers helps reduce humidity.
Poor Ventilation
– Lack of air circulation prevents moisture evaporation.
– Adding fans and opening windows improves ventilation.
Thick Applications
– Heavy applications exceeding 1 inch take longer to dry.
– Limit application thickness to no more than 1.5 inches.
Unprepared Subfloors
– Concrete should be primed to prevent moisture absorption.
– Unsound or dirty subfloors resist proper drying.
Monitor the installation conditions and take steps to maintain the ideal temperature, humidity, and ventilation levels recommended. Thinner applications also promote faster drying compared to thicker pours.
How to Check Dryness
Here are some good techniques to test when level quick RS has dried adequately for the flooring installation to proceed:
– Visual inspection – The surface should appear fully hardened and without moisture sheen.
– Mat test – Place a non-plasticized mat over a small area and leave for 60-90 minutes. Check underneath for any condensation, which indicates surface moisture.
– Plastic sheet test – Tape down a plastic sheet 18×18 inches and leave for 24 hours. Check underneath for any moisture migration or condensation.
– Moisture meter – Use a concrete moisture meter to check for sufficient dryness. Underlayments like level quick RS should dry to 4.5% moisture content or less before installing flooring.
Allow level quick RS to dry for the recommended times based on thickness and conditions. Verify dryness before proceeding with additional flooring steps like primers, toppings, or finished flooring.
Tips for Faster Drying
Here are some useful tips to help accelerate drying times for level quick RS self-leveling underlayment:
– Maintain room temperature between 65-85°F
– Use dehumidifiers to keep humidity under 65%
– Create cross ventilation with circulating fans
– Pour thinner applications under 1 inch thickness
– Prime concrete before pouring to prevent moisture absorption
– Use acceleration additives to speed drying chemically
– Apply heat to the floor with space heaters or radiant heaters
– Only mix amount of product that can be applied before drying
Careful preparation and monitoring of the installation environment goes a long way towards achieving fast dry times with level quick RS. Planning accordingly allows floors to be returned to service more quickly.
Delays Caused by Slow Dry Times
When level quick RS dries slower than expected, it can cause delays and disruptions in the flooring installation process. Here are some of the potential issues:
– Tile, vinyl, or carpet cannot be installed until sufficiently dry. Flooring install halted.
– Additional primer, topping, or sealer coats delayed.
– Next phase surface preparation delayed.
– Traffic held off floor longer, limiting work in space.
– Construction schedule pushed back due to drying setback.
– Flooring finish installation and completion delayed.
– Extended dust and noise from equipment like fans running longer.
– Revenue losses if commercial space cannot open on time.
– Greater labor and equipment costs if delays are extensive.
– Customer dissatisfaction from missed target installation dates.
Monitoring conditions during drying and testing surface readiness is key to avoiding setbacks. Adjusting plans if drying is lagging is prudent to prevent significant delays.
Conclusion
Level quick RS provides fast dry times of just a few hours when applied under ideal conditions at typical thicknesses. However, inadequate ventilation, thick pours, low temperatures, or high humidity can all contribute to extended dry times. Paying close attention to installation conditions, limiting application thickness, and properly preparing surfaces helps achieve rapid drying with level quick RS self-leveling underlayments. Verifying dryness before flooring installation avoids delays. With proper planning and handling, level quick RS can dry quickly for efficient flooring installations.